Tops to continue using plastic bags until March 1

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Photo credit Plastic bags in a grocery cart. January 14, 2019 (WBEN Photo/Mike Baggerman)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Wegmans is the first notable supermarket in the region to eliminate the use of plastic bags ahead of the March 1 deadline.

Wegmans to Eliminate Plastic Bags on January 27

The chain announced Monday they will eliminate the use of carryout plastic bags on January 27 and also charge a five-cent fee on paper bags. This after lawmakers in Albany voted to ban all single-use plastic bags last year.

But not all companies are following suit. In a statement, Tops said they will continue using plastic bags until March.

Official Statement from Tops

Tops plans to continue to stay the course and follow the proposed law of March 1, 2020.  This will allow our shoppers time to make any necessary adjustments.  As it stands today our shoppers have a wide selection of bags to choose from including our reusable bags and our Tops Totes for Change bags where a portion of the proceeds go back to local charities in the community.  When the law goes into effect in March we will continue to offer our customers paper bag options for five cents with a portion of the proceeds going back to local charities that are in alignment with our mission of  eradicating hunger and improving the lives of children.

Click here to hear reaction from Wegmans customers about the January 27 elimination of plastic bags.